NORTH KOREA - Kim Yo Jong, sister of North Korea's supreme leader Kim Jong-un, is rumored to be running the hermit kingdom ever since her brother's month-long absence from the public eye.

Kim Yo Jong has been spotted at several major events, which led to speculations that the North Korean leader could be suffering from gout, diabetes or ankle problems.

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According to Victor Cha, an analyst from the Center for Strategic and International Studies, Kim Yo Jong's public appearances are part of an effort of slow-tracking her to become someone important within the country's political system.

"It is very difficult for the North Korean system to run without one of the Kim Family," Cha said.

He added it is possible that Kim Yo Jong is holding some form of temporary position to continue the Kim family line.

However, Cha expressed doubts about Kim Yo Jong's leadership. He said having someone who is in her early to mid-20s running the country could be alarming.

"It means there is something seriously wrong with Kim Jong-un and there is some sort of void that they are desperately trying to fill," Chad said.

Kim Yo Jong is the youngest among seven siblings. Her father, Kim Jong-Il, had four women and some of his children are half brothers or sisters. Kim Yo Jong and Kim Jong-un share the same mother.

Born either in 1987 or 1988, Kim Yo Jong attended the same school with her brother in Switzerland, where they stayed at the North Korean Embassy. She is said to be close to her father and was appointed to several positions in the government.

In her brother's administration, Kim Yo Jong is continuously handling major roles. She is believed to be part of policy decision-makings.

TagsNorth Korea, Kim Yo Jong